ACL Reconstruction Surgery

ACL injury is a type of injury that is common among athletes who participate in high-impact sports such as basketball, football, and soccer. The ACL is a vital ligament that helps stabilise the knee joint, and a tear can cause instability and pain, making it difficult to perform daily activities and sports. During ACL reconstruction in Glasgow, the surgeon will remove the damaged ligament and replace it with a graft made from either the patient's own tissue or a donor's tissue. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, and the patient will need to undergo several weeks of physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility in the knee. If you’d like to learn more about how ACL surgery can benefit you, reach out to us at our Glasgow location and speak with a member of our team to set up your initial consultation today.

What Is ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

ACL reconstruction surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed to repair a damaged anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. The ACL is one of the four major ligaments in the knee, and it is responsible for providing stability to the knee joint.

Do I Need ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

ACL reconstruction surgery is typically recommended for individuals who have experienced a complete tear of the ACL. This type of injury often occurs during activities that involve sudden stops or changes in direction, such as basketball, soccer, or skiing.

In addition to a complete tear, ACL reconstruction surgery may also be recommended for individuals who have experienced a partial tear of the ACL. This type of injury may cause the knee joint to become unstable, which can lead to further damage to the knee joint over time.

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What Happens During ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

During ACL reconstruction in Glasgow, your surgeon will first make an incision in the knee to gain access to the damaged ACL. They will then remove the damaged ligament and replace it with a new ligament, which is typically taken from the patient's own body or from a donor. After the new ligament has been inserted, the surgeon will secure it in place using screws or other fixation devices. The incision will then be closed, and the patient will be taken to a recovery room to begin the healing process.

Meet Our Consultants

Rahul Kakar FRCS, MRCS, MBBS

Mr Kakar is a highly skilled consultant orthopaedic surgeon specialising in knee and hip surgeries, including ACL reconstruction, meniscal repairs, patellar dislocations, and hip replacements. With advanced fellowship training and leadership as the governance lead at NHS Tayside, he focuses on enhanced recovery protocols, often enabling patients to return home within a day. Rahul is dedicated to education, training, and achieving exceptional outcomes through routine audits and patient-centered care.

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Michael Brown MBChB FRCS (Tr Orth)

Mr Brown is a highly regarded knee surgeon, recognised for his exceptional expertise in treating both sports-related injuries and degenerative knee conditions. Dedicated to providing comprehensive care, Mr. Brown offers a wide range of surgical solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. With a strong focus on patient-centered care, he emphasises collaborative decision-making to ensure the most effective treatment plans and optimal outcomes.

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Colin Drury FRCSEd (Tr+Orth)

Mr Drury FRCSEd (Tr+Orth) is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in knee surgery. His expertise includes knee replacement, sports injury treatment, arthroscopy, osteotomy, and non-surgical therapies like physiotherapy, injections, and PRP. At Glasgow Royal Infirmary, he also manages complex trauma, infections, and collaborates with plastic surgeons for multi-disciplinary care.

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Tom Nunn MD

Fellowship trained in sports injury surgery Mr Nunn has spent over a decade specialising in the treatment of knee problems and in arthroscopic knee surgery specifically. He has a particular interest in meniscal preservation, ligament reconstruction and chondral (joint surface) injury and degenerative change in arthritis.

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Andrew MacDonald MB ChB, FRCS (Tr&Orth)

Mr MacDonald is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with over 23 years of experience, specialising in hip and knee replacement surgeries, including complex and revision cases. After training in Scotland, Cambridge, and Australia, he has served as a consultant in NHS Lanarkshire since 2011 and practices privately at Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow. A passionate educator, he has won 'Trainer of the Year' and teaches for the AO Foundation, a global leader in surgical innovation.

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Recovery After ACL Reconstruction Surgery

After ACL reconstruction surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room to be monitored until you are awake and alert. Your knee will be immobilised in a brace to protect the surgical site and reduce pain and you may also have a catheter inserted to help drain urine from the bladder.

You’ll likely experience some pain and discomfort after surgery, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon, and your leg may also be elevated to reduce swelling.

Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

Restoring Your Range of Motion

Rehabilitation and physical therapy are critical components of the recovery process after ACL reconstruction surgery. Your surgeon will typically recommend a specific rehabilitation program for the patient, which may include exercises to improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility.

Physical Therapy and Exercise

You’ll also work with a physical therapist to learn how to walk with crutches and how to perform exercises that will help them regain strength and mobility in the affected leg. Your physical therapist will use modalities like ice, heat, and electrical stimulation to reduce pain and swelling.

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Returning to Normal Activities

Returning to normal activities after ACL reconstruction surgery can take several months. Your surgeon will typically recommend that you avoid high-impact activities such as running and jumping for several months after surgery.

You may also need to wear a knee brace during certain activities to help protect your knee and prevent reinjury. As you progress through the rehabilitation program, you may gradually be able to resume more normal activities.

Overall, recovery after ACL reconstruction in Glasgow can be a long and challenging process, but with proper care and rehabilitation, most patients are able to return to their normal activities with improved knee function.

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